Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

Chewy oatmeal cranberry bars topped with a luscious, fluffy cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat. This recipe, the Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy), uses simple ingredients to create big cozy flavors, making it perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just as an anytime snack. You’ll love how easy they are to make while still delivering that homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of oats and cranberries creates a wholesome and satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut these bars into smaller pieces for parties or gatherings; they are sure to be a hit!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or seeds for added texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan provides an ideal size for even baking and easy slicing.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and effortless, ensuring light and fluffy batter.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in dry ingredients without overmixing; it also helps scrape down the sides of bowls.

Ingredients

For the Bars

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
• Brown sugar: 3/4 cup (packed)
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
• Large eggs: 2 (at room temperature)
• Pure vanilla extract: 1 1/2 tsp
• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
• Baking soda: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 1/2 cups
• Dried cranberries: 1 1/2 cups (divided; reserve 1/4 cup for garnish)

For the Frosting

• Cream cheese: 8 oz (softened)
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
• Powdered sugar: 3-4 cups (sifted; start with 3 cups)
• Pure vanilla extract: 1 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1/8 tsp

How to Make Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chewy oatmeal cranberry bars topped with cream cheese frosting.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan. For easy removal later, line it with parchment paper allowing a two-inch overhang.

Step 2: Make Batter

Cream together the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in each egg one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix!

Step 4: Fold-in Ingredients

Gently fold in the oats along with one and a quarter cups of dried cranberries. Reserve the remaining quarter cup for garnishing later.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Press the sticky dough evenly into your prepared pan—dampening your fingers or spatula with water can help here. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling completely in the pan on a wire rack for one to two hours.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and half a cup of butter until smooth. Gradually mix in three cups of sifted powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and salt on low speed. Increase speed and whip until fluffy—about two to three minutes. If frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until desired thickness is achieved.

Step 7: Finish Up

Spread frosting over fully cooled bars using a spatula or knife; swirl it on top for an appealing look. Garnish with remaining dried cranberries. Chill in the refrigerator for about thirty minutes for cleaner slices before cutting into twenty-four bars.

Enjoy your deliciously chewy oatmeal cranberry bars topped with creamy frosting!

How to Serve Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

These chewy oatmeal cranberry bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple treat for yourself. Their delightful flavor and creamy frosting make them a favorite among family and friends.

Ideal Pairings with Your Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the flavors perfectly, enhancing your dessert experience.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy contrast to the chewy bars.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with strawberries or sliced apples for a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer these bars in yogurt parfaits for a delicious breakfast or snack option.

How to Perfect Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

To achieve the best results with your oatmeal cranberry bars, keep these tips in mind. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate this already delicious recipe.

• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and butter at room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the bars chewy instead of tough.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh dried cranberries and quality oats will enhance flavor and texture.
• Let Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully before frosting helps maintain the integrity of the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

These oatmeal cranberry bars can stand alone but pair wonderfully with various sides that enhance their flavors. Consider these options when serving your dessert.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the sweet bars.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated touch.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the frosting.
4. Chips and Dip: Serve savory chips with hummus or guacamole as an appetizer before indulging in dessert.
5. Nut Medley: Roasted nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft, chewy bars.
6. Granola Parfait: Layer granola with yogurt and fruit for a delightful breakfast option post-dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the right texture.
• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the frosted bars to chill for 30 minutes helps set the frosting, making it easier to cut into neat slices. Don’t rush this step!
• Overmixing the batter: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of chewy ones.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation. Cold ingredients can cause uneven mixing.
• Ignoring the garnish: Reserve some cranberries for garnish after frosting. This adds a nice touch and enhances presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

• To freeze, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Use a freezer-safe container for added protection against freezer burn.
• They can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy) chewy?

The combination of rolled oats and proper mixing techniques contributes to their chewy texture. Ensure not to overmix your batter!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this recipe?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will make the bars more tart. If opting for fresh, consider reducing sugar slightly.

How do I customize my Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe (Easy & Chewy)?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or different dried fruits like raisins or apricots for extra flavor and texture.

How long do these bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make them vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce, and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These Best Frosted Oatmeal Cranberry Bars are perfect for any occasion! With their chewy texture and creamy frosting, they are sure to please everyone. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s simple yet delicious!